Old Dominion, New Commonwealth: A History of Virginia, 1607–2007

by Ronald L. Heinemann, John G. Kolp, Anthony S. Parent Jr.

"On the morning of 26 April 1607, three small ships carrying 143 Englishmen arrived off the Virginia coast of North America, having spent four months at sea.... All hoped for financial success and perhaps a little adventure; as it turned out, their tiny settlement eventually would evolve from colony into a prominent state in an entirely new nation." So begins Old Dominion, New A History of Virginia, 1607-2007 and the remarkable story behind the founding not only of the state of Virginia but of our nation. With this book, the historians Ronald L. Heinemann, John G. Kolp, Anthony S. Parent Jr., and William G. Shade collaborate to provide a comprehensive, accessible, one-volume history of Virginia, the first of its kind since the 1970s. In seventeen narrative chapters, the authors tackle the four centuries of Virginia’s history from Jamestown through the present, emphasizing the major themes that play throughout Virginia history―change and continuity, a conservative political order, race and slavery, economic development, and social divisions―and how they relate to national events. Including helpful bibliographical listings at the end of each chapter as well as a general listing of useful sources and Websites, the book is truly a treasure trove for any student, scholar, or general-interest reader looking to find out more about the history of Virginia and our nation. Timed to coincide with the 2007 quadricentennial, Old Dominion, New Commonwealth will stand as a classic for years to come.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, School

412 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2007

About the author

Ronald L. Heinemann is Squires Professor of History at Hampden-Sidney College.

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of things to learn throughout, but at times descends into "Virginia's Greatest Hits" even when those details are not especially relevant to the story of the state itself - worst chapter is the chapter on the "Virginia Dynasty" which only contains passing relevance to the state and mostly consists of a broad overview of national policy around that time.

[William Rowe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Largely a Political History with Long Quotes and Irritating Editing

It reads as is the contributors took portions of their sources to make points. That omitted qualifications and and tone of events. Particularly irksome in the kindel version references and links to maps apparently in the published version. The early 19th Century politics has no current consequence and bores. The long sections on Byrd could have been condensed. Three items were missed. The Battle of Virginia Capes lead directly to the surrender at Yorktown, and is possibly the most important naval battle in American history; the American navy was not involved. President Wilson is discussed without notating his racial attitudes. The discussion of agriculture dosed’t mention wine. Disappointment increased as one reads on.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of 400 years of history, but starts to break down in the final chapters post-WW2.

[Michelle Francis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although comprehensive in historical information, it is not easy to read nor enjoyable. If you love Virginia history, this book is for you.

[Michael Dommel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice overview of Virginia history. Minus one star for equating resistance to using debt to finance growth as bad governance.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a good reference book, or a refresher on Virginia History, which if your a Virginia you got back in 4th grade.

Written by four current and emeritus professors of history, Old Dominion, New Commonwealth: A History of Virginia 1607-2007 is an in-depth chronicle of the state of Virginia's history since the founding of the Jamestown colony. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this fascinating chronicle of the changes that beset Virginia over the centuries, accessible to scholars and lay readers alike. A worthy and highly recommended addition to both public and college library American History shelves.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thorough history of Virginia from its founding as colony to the present. Fans of American or Civil War history will find much that is familiar. My favorite part was the history of the 100 years after the Civil War, as this period generally isn't covered in other works, and it saw the emergence of a relatively stable, conservative government in the state. However, I thought the book lacked an overall organizing theme, and was heavy on a lot of the faddish aspects of 20th century history.

[Jonathan]

None

[Donnie Edgemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent overview of Virginia history. It's hard to fit 400 years of history into about 350 pages, though.